Q 

< Twain's Dodging. Negro Farce; Out on the World, Drama; 
NEW PLAYS. ^Killing Time, Farce; Black \s White, Farce; The Out- 
( cast's Wife, Domestic Diama. Catalagw,s FLEE. 



AMES' SERIES OF 

STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. 

NO. 102. 




I 



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THE TURN. OF THE TIDE, 

PS fe 35* or 

,Z 9 WwMAd in port, 

A NAUTICAL AND TEMPERANCE DRAMA 
IN THREE ACTS, 

B Y 

W. HENRI WILKINS. 



WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES, AND EXITS, RELATIVE POSITIONS 
OK THE PERFORMERS OX THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COS- 
TUMES, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS, 
AS PERFORMED AT THE PRINCIPAL 
AMERICAN AND ENGLISH 
THEATRES. 



QM 



am 



mci 




CLYDE, OHIO: 
A. D. AMES, PUBLISHER. 



AMES' SERIES OF 

STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. 

F IF TEE. \ ' 1 1 EJ\ TS E&CH. 

■JpS~ A Full Descriptive Catalogue free to any one. 



A Desperate Game 
A Capital'Match 
An Unhappy Pair 
A Ticket of Leave 
A Homautic Attachment 
A Day Well Spent 
A Pet of the PuhJLu 
Arrah DeBaugh 
An Unwelcome Pel urn 
Alarmingly Suspicious 
A Lite's Revenge 
At Last 
Adrift 

An Awful Criminal 
Aurora Floyd 
Black Statue 
Brigands of Calabria 
Better Half 
Beauty of Lyons - 

Biter "Bit 
Black vs White 
Cheek will Win 
Captain Smith 
Coming Mali 
Did I Dream it 
Lomestie Felicity 
Der Two Subprises 
Driven to the Wall 
Deuce is in Him 
False Friend 

Fetter Lane to Gravesend 
Fatal Bhnv 
Gentleman in Black 
Give Me My Wife, 
How He Did it 
Hints on Elocution 
Handy Andy. 
How Stout You're Getting 
Henry Granden 
Hans* the Dutch J. P. 
Mam let 

Hunter of the Alps (Law 

How to Tame Your Mother-in - 
( Child Baptized 
How Si iter laxey Got Her 
In The Wrong Cloth 



In the Wrong Box 

John Smith 

Jumbo Jum 

Joe's -Visit 

Killing Time 

Lady Audley's" Secret 

Lady of Lyons 

Life's Revenge 

Michael Erie 

Mother's Fool 

Mistletoe Bough 

Miller of Der went Water 

Mr. and Mrs. Pr ingle 

My Heart's in the Highlands 

My Wife's Relations 

Man and Wife 

Mischievous Nigger 

Not So Bad- After All 

Not as Deaf as He Seems 

No Cure,, No Pay 

Out on the World 

Old Phil's Birthday 

Outcasts Wife 

On the Sly 

Obedience 

Out in tne' Streets 

Paddy Miles',, Boy 

Poacher's Doom 

Painter of Ghent 

Rooms to et 

Rock Allen the Orphan 

Rescued 

Spy of Atlanta, 25 cte. 

loOOu Years Ago 

Stage Struck Darkey 

Stocks Up Stocks Down 

Sport with a Sportsman 

Schnapps 

Somebody's Nobody 

Saved 

Sham Professor 

The Spy of Atlanta. 25 ■ 

The Black Statue 

The' Stage Struck Darkey 

The Outcast's Wife 

The Fatal Blow 



Catalogue continued on next page of cover. 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE, 

OR 

WRECKED IN PORT, 

A NAUTICAL AND TEMPERANCE DRAMA, 
IN THREE ACTS, 



— Br 



W. HENRI WILKINS, 



AUTHOR OF 



\i 



HocJc Allen the Orphan; Three Glasses a Day; Mother's Fool; The Coming 

Man; The Reward of Crime; Etc. 
With cast of characters, entrances and exits, relative positions of the per- 
formers on the stage, description of costume, and the whole of the 
Btage business. Correctly printed from the author's origin- 
al manuscript. The only published edition. 



Mr. WMins' highly popular Plays are published only by A. D. Ames. 

"There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, 

Taken at the flood, leads on to fortun'e.''-BHAK«PEABi. 



esSem^sp^^ of <"? ™ friendship and 

ma, they will approve my effort P 7 ' h ° pms aS foad lover * of th * d ™- 



W. H. W. 



Entered according to act of Congress, in thenar 188(?by 

A.D.AMES, 
m the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



— CLYDE, OHIO: — 

A. D. AMES, PUBLISHER. 



fl 






THE TURN OF THE TIDE. ^K** n^ 
CHARACTERS. \ t *y\ 

Jonas Aldricb, ■•• Alkh^noftteOoiui 

Capt Hugh St. Morris, Commander of the "Tidal Wave' 

Col. Ellsworth, A wealthy ship owner 

Herman Clyde, Captain of the Pirates 

Bowie Knife Jack, j m Pirates 

Sling Shot Rube, \ « . . 

Pepper • A colored individual. 

Auut Rebecca, The Fisherman' s wife — a quiet body 

Susie Aldrich, The Ocean Waif 

Lillian Lacy, Clyde s deserted wife 

"Frisky" With m one to love 

PERIOD.— 1879. 



TIME OF REPRESENTATION. — One hour and forty-five minutes. 



SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. 



Act First. — The fisherman's home— reminiscences of the wreck. The gath- 
ering storm — Reference to the money — Entrance of the Pilot— Aunt Becky 
expresses her opinion of him — Pepper tells his story — The sunset gun — The 
storm breaks— Susie's secret— Pepper struck by lightning— A signal of dis- 
tress on the water — Clyde's proposal— "I have the power" — Lillian's S3cret 
"Why can't I die! He has forfeited all claims to honor or respect, and 




Quivering neart ana inrow it to me utsiuss wi^u &jjuiu m juuuer ueep — 
Clyde's soliloquy "Ah, Capt. St. Morris, a fig .for your gilded castles built 
nair." — The pirates rob the house. 
Act Second,— Frisky 's communings — She and Pepper have a little falling 

ou t Pepper's pursuit of knowledge under the table— Clyde shows his colors 

and plays his first card, "Then my answer must be 'yes,' though it break the 
heart of my child." — The oid man tries to drown his sorrow — Pepper goes 
for clams — Entrance of Lillian, "Yes, pirate though you are, and chieftain 
of the hunted crew, I love you still I The time will come when you will find 
I am the truest friend you ever had." — Aunt Becky relieves herself of a few 
ideas and Pepper gives her a few more— The old fisherman falls a victim to 
Intemperance, and Aunt Becky expresses her opinion of "sich doins." — The 
meeting of Clyde and St. Morris — The combat— Death of Clyde, "Oh, Hea- 
ven 1 I am his wife." — Tableau. 

j a ct Third. — One year later — Company expected — Pepper has a "werry 
curis" dream — Capt. St. Morris relates a story to Susie — Love-making inter- 
rupted by the old fisherman — His resolution to reform — Aunt Becky thinks 
she is 'slurred.' — Lillian communes with her own thoughts — The Colonel ar- 
rives Pepper takes him in charge and relates a wonderful whaling story- 
Restoration of the stolen money — "The same face, Heavens ! I cannot be 
mistaken." "It's all out." — The Colonel finds a daughter— He tells the 
story of his escape from the wreck— Old friends meet — The Colonel's propo- 
sal and acceptance. "Bress de Lawd." — Happy ending, with song and 
chorus. — "Wait For The Turn Of The Tide." 



NOTE. The best manner in which to represent the firing is'abase drum 
struck by a handkerchief made into a ball, and held in the hand. The 
blow should be quick and hard. 

^f See last page for a description of Costumes and Properties. 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE, 

OR 

WRECKED IN PORT. 



ACT I. 



SCENE FIRST. — Jonas Aldrich's residence near Gloucester, door back o. 
window l. c, fire-place r. c, table extreme l., chairs l. c, r. c, r. & l., desk r 

Enter Jonas Aldrich r. with fish lines which he places on table and proceeds to 
arrange after seating himself at table. 

Jonas. These lines are enough to try the patience of a much more even 
tempered man than I am. Every time that black rascal attempts to straight- 
en them he is sure to get them into a worse snarl than ever. The only way 
I can keep them in order is to see to them myself. But bless my soul ! why 
hasn't that boat got in? 1 hope no harm has come to the boys. The 
waves are running high and the breakers are capped with foam, and there's 
a storm cloud gathering in the west. The indications are that the night is 
going to be a rough one. It was on such a night, eighteen years ago that 
the "Silver Moon" was driven on our coast and went to pieces, and none of 
the passengers or crew were left to tell the horrible tale. The next morning 
as I was on the shore, waiting for the turn of the tide I found a little waif 
wrapped in blankets and shawls, and securely lashed to a spar. On exam- 
ination I discovered that life was not extinct. I took the little one in charge 
and before noon she was sleeping quietly, apparently not much the worse 
for her rough voyage on the stormy waves. Bless me how time flies. It's 
hard to realize that our Sue is that little ocean waif of eighteen years ago. 
But we've never had cause to regret the coming of the little stranger. She's 
been a joy and comfort to me and the old woman through all the years since 
that memorable night. We found nothing to indicate who she was except a 
tiny ring on which was engraved "Little Susie." Now she's one of the 
handsomest and best girls along the coast. But dear me, one of these days 
I suppose some chap struck by the glance of her bright eye and witching 
smiles will be taking her away from us. Heaven grant that he may not 
prove unworthy of her. 

Enter Mrs. Aldrich, r. 

Mrs A. Jonas Aldrich, I never see sich a man as you be, always bringing 
them nasty fish lines right in here, daubin' up every thing they touch. "You 
jist take 'em and march yourself out on the stoop, I won't hev sich carry- 
ings on in my house. 

Jon. Easy old woman, you seem to think you hold first mortgage on 
these premises, I thought there was a storm brewing, but I did not think 
it would get here so soon. Don't you see the lines were all in a snarl and I 
wanted to get them in order for my trip in the morning. 

Mrs A. What's that to me, I didn't snarl 'em did I? 

Jon. Oh no, you didn't snarl the lines but you manage to keep in a snarl 
yourself pretty much of the time, and if you had some men they'd straight- 
en you out in much less time than it has taken me to disentangle these lines. 

Mrs A. Jonas Aldrich, you're the hatefulest man I ever saw. But 
where's Hugh and Mr. Clyde? 

Jon. Been gone out to Capt. Hugh's vessel these two hours, and why 



4 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

t hey are not back before now is more'n I can imagine. Wife have you no- 
ticed any change in Capt. Hugh lately ? It strikes me that since this Her- 
man Clyde has been stopping here that the Captain is getting just the least 
bit reckless. 

Mrs A. I've noticed it, and I don't think Mr. Clyde's influence will 
work any improvement on the morals of anyone with whom he associates. 
Herman Clyde is older, has seen more of the world and is not so likely to 
be carried away with every passing fancy that overtakes him. But gra- 
cious goodness f what's come over you ? Your face is darker and gloomier 
than the cloud gathering in the west. 

Jon. And cause enough there is for it, I should think, when the moral 
character of one of our best friends is assailed. That's an insult, and in the 
absence of Mr. Clyde, I dare to say so, though that insult comes from you. 
Herman Clyde is "every inch a gentleman, and my fondest hope is, to some 
day, make him one of the family. Our Sue, deserves a good husband, and 
that Mr. Clyde has lost his head in that direction, anyone with half an 
eye can see. 

Mrs A. It's a great wonder to me, how you ever come to be so much 
smarter than anyone else. If our dear child ever becomes his wife, may 
heaven protect her, for Herman Clyde would not. 

Jon. Well, well, it does no good to argue with you. "Never count your 
chickens &c," you know is an old and trite saying. But Becky, how 
much money have we in the house? you know the mortgage money falls 
due in a few days, and if possible, I mean to meet the paymeut promptly, 
and own the roof over our heads. 

Mrs A y Jonas, I am glad to say that we shall be able to pay every dollar 
on that paper. 

Enter Bowie Knife Jack, stealthily l., stands at back unseen by either of them. 

Mrs A. The money is safe in that desk, and I hope it will remain so 
'till the payment is made, (sees Jack) Sakes alive ! man who are you ? 

Jack. Ha, ha, ha ! my good people, don't be alarmed. I'm only a poor 
sailor, out of a job, and hearing that the "Tidal Wave" was to sail in a few 
days, I didn't know but me and a messmate of mine might get a chance to 
ship in her. Say, my jolly old tar, is Capt. St. Morris stopping here? 

Jon. Capt. St. Morris makes my house his headquarters when in port, 
but if you wish to see him you will have to call at some other time — the 
Captain is not at home. 

Mrs A. Say, Mr. What's-yer-name, I don't like the looks of you ! you 
look more like a miserable tramp, than an honest sailor. If you want to see 
Capt. St. Morris, you can go over to his vessel most any time. At any rate, 
take yourself away from here. 

Jon. (aside) Sh, sh ! old woman, don't anger the man. 
_ Jack. Well, well, my old nor'easter, don't get breezy I I'm here on bu- 
siness. 

Mrs A. Well, your business ain't my business, and I'll clear out; if my 
old man wants to waste his wind talking with you, he can, but it's time the 
tea was on if we have any supper to-night. (exit r. 

Jon. You mustn't mind her my hearty, she's subject to them spells. 

Jack. I certainly ought to be able to sustain a light shock like that, if 
you've managed to weather it all your days, (takes black bottle from pocket 
and places it on table) Look ye, messmate, do you ever indulge? If so, get 
a couple of tumblers and we'll double Cape Horn. 

Jon. Can't say I am proof against its charms, I don't think a nipper once 
in a while hurts an old salt like me, a hooter. (exit b. 

Jack. Ha, ha ! it'll be an easy job to shorten his sails. So the money's 
in that desk, is it? that'll be an easy place to cast anchor. 

Enter Jonas b., with tumblers, puts them on table— Jack pours out two drinks. 

Jack, (holding up glass) Here's luck to the Captain, the same to you, 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 5 

and that my next haul will be a good one, {aside) all shiner3. (both drink 
Jon. You're a good judge of the article, I see. I haven't seen anything 

to equal that, since yeais ago, when old Capt. Stearns brought some home 

from Calcutta. 

Jack, (puts up bottle) "Well, good day, my hearty, {at door l.) Perhaps 

I'll see the Captain on my way to town, {looks out,) 'Pears as if we're 

goin' tohev a blow, (aside) In that desk ! I wout forget it. (exit L. 

Jon. Rather a rough customer that, but then sailors as a class are rough. 

There the lines are all right now I think, and all I have to do is to put them 

on the reels. 

Enter Pepper l., advances, looks back at door. 

Pepper. Say, Marsa Jonas, who was dat gimlet-eyed individual what I 
met comin' up de path ? I think he wears purty ferocious lookin' jewelry. 

Jon. That's a sailor who wishes to see Capt. Hugh. Here, Pepper, 
take these lines and reel them, we must get an early start to-morrow. 

(Pepper takes lines 

Pep. Yaas sah,but Marsa Jonas, I don't like de looks ob dat fellow. I'se 
seed him before, when I wa3 up in de town with Marsa Clyde, de oder 
day. As I was roamin' 'round de streets yer|know, takin' observations ob 
— ob de peoples, an' — an' de codfish, I seed dat ole snoozer an' anoder wl- 
lainous lookin' covy talkin' 'long wid Marsa Ciyde, down on de wharf. 
Dey hed on der swords, an' revolvers, and a big bowie knife stuck in der 
sashes, and dey was habin' de greatest confab 'long Marsa Clyde, yer eber 
did see. Marsa Jonas, dars mischief brewin', I feels in my marrer bones. 
Dey j is better keep away from dis chile, or dey'll get a dose ob peppsr sass 
dey won't like. Keep yer eyes open Marsa Jonas, keep yer eyes open, an' 
look out fer yer spondulix. (exit u. with lines 

Jon. Bless me, what ails everybody ? I guess the old woman's been tel- 
ling her surmises in that darkey's hearing. Clyde's all right, but it's no 
use to argue with Becky, she's bound to have her own way in every thing, 
and I find the easiest way is to let her. We'll see who's rignt. Time '11 tell, 
time '11 tell. (exit e. 

Enter Susie Aldrich, l. back. 

Susie. I've just been down to the shore to see if I could catch a glimpse 
of Capt. St. Morris' boat. They should have been back long ago, unless 
they had some business at the town, and have gone there, (gun heard r. 
followed by the rumble of distant thunder, and the whistle of the wind) Anl 
'tis the sunset gun, and the wind is begining to blow a perfect gale. I hope 
the storm will soon spend its fury, (lightning) No boat could ride the sea 
in such a tempest. The waves come swelling in from the great outer 
depths, like battallions routed from a lost battle field. Broken, crowding on 
each other, — (thunder and rain) — trampling plumes and banners into foam, 
they come heaving forward, terrible in their force. It was on such a night, 
I am told, that they found me, cast by those angry waves high up on the 
beach. Oh, cruel, cruel ocean ! you robbed me in one short hour of all who 
loved me then, and left me on the shifting sands of life, to be moved by ev- 
ery wave that washed the shore of my lonely existance. (lightning, thunder, 
wind and rain) Ah, lonely ! did I say? No, it is not always thus, I was 
under the eye of One who never sleeps, and kind hands rescued me from the 
sad fate that befel my parents. My parents 1 who are they? Who am I? 
That is a question that can only be answered on the bright shores of Eter- 
nity. 

"^«- Enter Frisky, r. 

Frisky. What a storm, Miss Susie ! (lightning) Did you know Captain 
Hugh's boat had b3en found nn the beach all dashed to pieces. (thunder 

Susie, (starting up, putting hand to head) Is this true child? ■ Yet 'tis as 
I feared. He is lost, and he never knew how much I loved him. Louvis- 
ka tell me about it. 



6 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

Fris. Ha, ha, ha ! Miss Susie, I didn't mean to frighten you. It's true 
the boat was found as I said, but Captain Hugh isn't lost so but what he is 
quite easily found. He is up stairs changing his clothes. Then vou love 
him? Well, I'm glad of it. ; 

Susie. Child, I hardly know whether to be angry with you or not. But 
don't you for the world, breathe a word of what you have heard me say to a 
living soul, Frisky. I think I can trust you? (lightning 

Fris. Nobody shall ever be the wiser for my hearing your secret. You 
might trust me with your very life, (thunder) ' Oh, I wish I had some one 
to love ! 

Susie. Why child, you have many to love, and many who lore you. 
We all love you I'm sure. 

Fris. Oh yes, I know, that's all well enough. But I mean a man. A 
real nice one with a moustache, ha, ha, ha I 
Susie. Why girl, what an idea ! 

Fris. Funny isn't it. But I've noticed most all girls get that same idea 
sometime or other. Why don't you smile on Captain Hugh once in a 
while? you might bring him to your feet just like honey. He'd swallow 
the bait, I know he would. Fool if he wouldn't. 

Susie. No Frisky, that could never be. Even should he care for me, he 
would never stoop to a union with a nameless waif. So keep my secret. 
Fris. Oh pshaw I You talk as if you hadn't a friend in the world. 
Susie. No, my dear, I love the good people who call me daughter, verv, 
very much, and I'm sure they both love me, else they would never have 
been so kind to me. 

Fris. Fiddlesticks ! I shouldn.'t a bit wonder if some day you found your 
father or mother, or perhaps both. Stranger things than that have happen- 
ed, (lightning, thunder and rain—Irisky goes near Susie) Mercv on us I 
what a terrible storm. 

Susie. Yes, but I am in hopes by its sudden violence it will soon spend 
its fury and become quiet before midnight. 

Enter Pepper, l. 
Pep. By golly dat yer last crack struck dis chile right on top ob de hed 
but 1 guess it didn't git much satisfaction, cause mv old cocoanut happened 
to be nuf lor it. But I feel de jar all ober. ' r 

li "htn'n *?*' ^ ! D ° y ° U pretend t0 sa ^ Pe PP er th at you were struck by 

Pep. Dat's a fact Frisky, dat's a fact, and if it hadn't bin done so awful 

sudden I guess you d seen me strike back. By golly I can smell de wool 

Susie. I hope Pepper, there are no vessels off the coast, to be driven on 
shore by the tempest. (liohtninc 

Pep. Can't tell, Mistess Susie, can't tell. It hab growed dark so mighty 
fasttorde last few minutes dat yer can't see a ship's length on de water. 
But de last obwersation dat I took, de coast war all clear, (looking out) But 
here comes de Capt'in an' Marsa Clyde. V *"yv"cj .dui 

Enter Captain St. Morris and Clyde, L, 

H.55& ♦ Ah ! - Mi9S Aldrich > the Captain and myself have had quite a lit- 
tle adventure since we went out ! * H 

• Su 'l ie i S ,°,F r ^ ky h . a ! been tellin » me - X am g ] ad it was no worse, (look- 
ing shyly at the Captain) Pray tell us how it happened. { 

Clyde, (aside) That glance, it is as I suspected ! (aloud) Perhaps the 

Captain can better explain ? /J* J ?,',, . 

rw* tm„.,~ C1 . c -n^<"n • (thunder and hqhtnint 
tapt. Never mind, go on Mr Clyde. b 

Pep. Yaas tell us how you managed to get ashore widout anv boat an : 
enT^itTffdrho^ a "' ^ *W— JW -auff to take 5. gabr^l 

• Situations. Frisky extreme e., Susie „., Clyde a., Capt., t., Pepper extreme L. 



\ 

THE TURN OF THE TIDE. T 

Clyde. Well, you see we had just left the vessel, when one of the locks 
gave way and we were driven on a point of rock, and a hole stove in the 
boat, which rapidly began to fill. Our cries attracted the notice of a pass- 
ing tug boat, and we were taken on board and carried to town, none the 
worse off, except getting pretty wet by the rain, (gun heard) Hark! What 
was that? 

Capt. It must be the signal of some vessel in distress. I had hoped there 
were none off the coast in danger of being driven on the rocks. 

Fris. Pepper says that before the darkness closed in, there was no vessel 
in sight. 

Capt. True, but the tide is coming in, greatly accelerated by the wind, 
and a vessel, unless firmly anchored would be in great danger, [gun) There 
is another. I hope she will pass by in safety, if not, perhaps we can be of 
assistance. 

Fris. {looking out) There goes a rocket, and I can see blue lights at the 
same point! (thunder and lightv in g 

Capt. Then let us away ! (going r.) I'll see TJncle Jonas and be ready in 
a moment. (exit r. 

Fris. And I'll get some blankets ready, and heat some bricks, and start 
up a hot fire. Come along Pepper. (exit r. — gun is heard. 

JPep. (going r.) Yaas you get de blankets and hot bricks, and I'll jest 
git a hunk ob gingerbread and toller de Captain. I haint had a mouthful 
since breckfus. (exits.. 

Susie. Are not you going Mr Clyde? 

Clyde. Directly ; but Miss Aldricb, I must have a word with ycu, now 
we are alone. Pardon me, bat you cannot fail to have seen the tender re- 
gard which I have long since had for you, and I want you for my own. (at- 
tempts to take her hand, which she withdraws) Pray do not withdraw your 
hand — Miss Aldrich — Susie, I love you, and ask you to be my wife. I have 
wealth and can make you happy. (she beckons him off) Do not reject my 
pleading, when one smile from your lips is worth more to me than the rich- 
es of the Indias. {thunder, lightning — gun 
Susie, (drawing herself up) Mr. Clyde, this is no lime to talk of love, 
when your fellow creatures are in peril. Besides it would make no differ- 
ence, for I do not, could not love you. So away, and speak not to me again 
of love. 

Clyde. Perhaps you love another ? 

Susie. Sir! That is a question you have no right to ask, and one that I 
decline to answer. 

Clyde, (aside) It is as I suspected, but I will not be beaten or outwitted. 
(aloud) Nevertheless your tell-tale blushes are all the answer I ask. I go 
(going r.) but 1 will not give you up. 

Susie. Mr. Clyde never another word to me on this subject. You have 
asked me to be your wife, and in almost the same breath you have insulted 
me. Now, hear my final answer, never. (gun 

Clyde, (fiercely) Don't think to baffle me ! You shall be mine. If you 
will not consent, I will have you without, for let me tell you now, Tve got 
the power. ( ex a R . 

Su.He. I'm glad he's gone. What can he mean? He got the power to 
compel me to marry him? I'd like to see him try it— he will find I am 
not the weak girl he takes me for. But what am I saying? he was angry, 
and when he comes to reflect, he will be ashamed of the language he used. 
If I did not think so, I'd tell father, then Mr. Clyde would get his walking 
papers at once. But no, I'll let it pass and not "bother the dear old soul 
with any of my petty troubles. (thunder and lightning 

Enter Mrs. Aldrich r. 

Mrs A, Sue, child, what are ye mopin' your time away here for. I de- 
clare to goodness ! this is one of the worst nights I ever' knew.. Here I'd 
got my supper almost ready, when incomes the Captain pell niell, and 



8 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

he and Pepper, and the old man have gone away in the storm without stop- 
ping for as much as a bite, except the nigger — catch him forgetting his 
stomach. They've all gone off on a torn fool's errand, jist as if they could 
do any good to a vessel half a mile or more at sea. (gun) I declare betwixt 
one thing an' another I'm in sich a flurry I hardly kuow what I'm about. 

(lightning 

Susie. "Why mother, how you talk! There may be some poor unfortu- 
nate cast upon the sand in the same condition you (thunder) once found 
a little^waif. Would you have them sit idly by with the cry of distress 
sounding in their very ears ? 

Mrs A. Land sake? ! no child, but it's so dark and the storm rages so, 
that they might as well waited 'till morning. Now my supper'll all be 
ruined, for they may be out all night, (going r. ) Well I never ! (return- 
ing) if I didn't like to forget what I came in for. Miss Lacy is in the kitch- 
en helpin' Frisky prepare for any eastways which may be found on the 
shore. She run in to escape the storm, and we was havin' a pleasant chat, 
when the Captain rushed in so sudden like. I'll send her in to keep you 
company, for you looked as lonesome as a graveyard when I came in. 

Susie. Lillian here? Send her tome at once, (exit Mrs. Aldrich a.) Moth- 
er is odd, and often says things she does not mean, but she's been a good 
mother to me. My own could not have been better, and father too, the 
dear old man, his heart is warm and true, though it beats beneath a rough 
exterior. 

Enter Lillian, R., — Lightning. 

JSusie. Oh, Lillian ! how glad I am to see you, why did you not find me 
at once? (thunder 

Lillian. I was busy talking with your mother after I first came in, and 
was just coming to find you, when Pepper came in and said Mr. Clyde was 
keeping you company (shivers) and I cared not to see him here. 

Susie. What a story ! He wasn't here five minutes. But — I don't know 
as I ought to tell you, but we've always been warm friends, Lillian, since 
first we knew each other, and surely you will not divulge a word I may say. 
And perhaps 1 shall feel better for telling some one. 

Lil. My dear, and only friend! Speak freely, and rest assured your 
words will be held sacred as a sister's. 

Susie. Well then, why do you suppose Herman Clyde lingered here, for 
the little while he did ? 

Lil. (starting) Surely he did not ask you 

Susie. To be his wife ?— Yes. (lightning and thunder 

LiL (clasping hands and staggering) Heavens ! Has Herman Clyde 
dared to do that? 0, pity me, pity me ! 

Susie, (frightened) Oh, Lillian, Lillian! what's the matter? What is 
that man to you, that this story should cause you to act in this strange 
manner ? 

Lil. (with an effort, recovering herself) Oh, nothing, nothing! Have pity 
on me and do not ask me that, which o ans-Wer, wouldhe worse than death it- 
self. Sometime if worse comes to worst, you shall know all. *But not now, 
oh, not now ! _ (sinks into a chair 

Susie. Dear Lillian, quiet your beating heart, and believe me, I meant 
not to alarm you. 

Lil. You are not to blame. But (looks up as Susie leans over her chair), 
tell me, oh, tell me, do — you— love— that — man ? 

Susie. No, I do not love him, neither can I respect him after the lan- 
guage he used in my presence to uight.j 

Lit. Thank heaven, for that ! (lightning and thunder— storm 

Enter Mrs. Aldrich, r. 

Mrs A. Come girls, supper's all ready, and no one to eat it but our- 
selves, come right along, both of you. (exit R. 
Susie. Come Lillian, you will feel better after a good cup of tea. 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 9 

Lil. No, no ! I could not eat. Let me remain here while you join your 
mother in your evening meal. 

tfwsie. I don't like that a bit, but if you will not come, there 3 the latest 
papers on the desk. I won't be long. {exit a. 

Lil. Oh, Herman, Herman ! have you no pity for me? Must I live on 
the lie I am ? Why can't I die. Sometimes I am tempted to throw myself 
from yonder cliffs, deep down into the green gulfs beneath. But no, that 
would be suicide. Oh, how tired of life 1 am! I've followed him from place 
to place, earning my living from day to day in the most humble manner. 
Long ago he cast me off and sometimes with the most horrible threats, and 
and at others with solemn promises forced me to keep the secret w^hich is 
eating my very life away. Am I a child that I tamely submit? No! He 
has forfeited all claims to honor and respect, and hopelessly cast me off. 
Yet, notwithstanding all this, I love him 1 Oh, Herman, Herman! {bows 
her head on chair-back and weeps) 

Enter Clyde L., with rubber coat and cap on which are wet, advances, sees Lil- 
lian, stops — thunder and storm. 

Clyde. You here? and in such a storm as thi3? 'Twill never do. Be- 
gone ! and let your lips be sealed or I'll cut out your quivering heart and 
throw it to the fishes that sport in yonder deep. 

Lil. {rising) No doubt you would, and rejoice when the deed was done. 
Well, I'm ready, {places her hand to her heart) There's the spot— strike and 
I'll bless you for it. 

Clyde. Fool, begone ! and never cross my path again, or I'll invent a 
tale, compared to which death would be a blessing. 

Lil. Oh, Susie, Susie ! my one true friend, {to Clyde) Yes I'll go— out 
into the darkness of the storm andj leave you to plot on in your schemes of 
villainy. (exit R. 

Clyde. Ha, ha ! Go, keep the name you have chosen, and I'll woo on. 
I know who you are my pretty ocean waif, and when once you are mine, 
we'll jump aboard the "Flying Scud" and set sail for the shores of England 
and claim the fortune which rightfully belongs to you. 'Twas a glorious 
thing for me when the Silver Moon went down, and none but you were 
saved. That deed was grandly done. After being plundered by the piraU 
brig, the cables of the Silver Moon were parted, and she was set adrift — 
while we were safely anchored far out at sea. Ah ! my aquatic bird, how 
well I remember the terrified expression of your father, the Captain, as he 
read their fate in the approaching tempest. But I'll back to the shore 'ere 
they miss me and wonder; Ah, Captain St. Morris! soon the tide will turn 
and then a fig for your gilded castles built on air. {storm continued — exit L. 
Enter Bowie Knife Jack c, goes r., listens, goes l., and listens, goes c, and 

signals. 

Jack. Whist, whist! lights down 

Enter Sling Shot Rube, C. 

Rule. Is the coast clear ? 

Jack. Yes, for the present. You watch while I get to work. 

Rube. And be lively too. We don't want to waste any of our precious 
time in this place, {watches alternately R. and l., this is kept up to the end. 

Jack, {goes to desk, lakes bunch of keys from his pocket, after several at- 
tempts succeeds in fitting one to the lock) Ah, ha! Rube, we're in luck if we 
can get away with whole heads, {opens desk and takes out a small tin trunk) 
What shall we do with it for the present? 

Rube. It will never do to keep it in our posession, for you'll be suspected 
as soon the swag's missed, and me too, as like as not. 

Jack. We'll hide it in the " Bat's Retreat," down among the cliffs. It 
will be safe there. 

Rube. Well thought of, pard, lets out of this. Come on. 

Jack. Don't blunder now ; Captain Clyde ought to promote' us for thi3. 
For at last the tide has turned in our favor. Lead on. {storm as they exit c. 

curtain. 



10 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 



ACT II. 

SCENE. — Same as before — Frisky discovered dusting furniture and put- 
ting things in order— broom standing against fire-place. 

Fris. I suppo3e I must sleek up a bit, but it dos'nt make but little differ- 
ence to any one in this house, how things go now. Oh, dear! (sits in chair 
B.) What a world this is ! Misfortunes never come singly. First, on that 
nio-ht of the storm the house was robbed of the money which Uncle Jonas 

poor old man — had lain away to pay the note which soon falls due. This 

was a sad blow to him, and to drown his grief he has taken to drinking. 
And now there is some fresh sorrow under which he is sinking, and what it 
is, I am unable to determine. One thing I know, that Herman Clyde holds 
some power over the old man from which he cannot escape. And Susie, 
too, I haven't seen her smile for a week ; while Aunt Becky scolds worse 
than ever, and seems to take delight in torturing us all when an opportuni- 
ty occurs. Something is the matter with them all except Captain St. Mor- 
ris, he moves about the same as ever, and if anything troubles him he does 
not manifest it to others. We all thought one while he was going to the 
bad, but since he has cut the friendship of Mr. Clyde, there has ben a decid- 
ed improvement in his conduct. 1 wish Mr. Clyde would go away from 
here and never come back, for my idea is he*3 at the bottom of the whole 
trouble, (listen*) Some one is coming; I mustn't sit here. (dusting 

Enter Pepper, l. 

Pep. By golly, you'se as frisky as a young lamb dis mornin', 'aint ye? 
Whar'a Marsa Jonas? 

Fris. Don't know. (dusting 

Pep. Whar's de Cap'n ? 

Fris. Don't know. (dusting 

Pep. Hab you seen Marsa Clyde dis mornin'? 

Fris. No. # (dusting 

Pep. See here Missis Frisky, I think you'd make fustrate pie crust. 

Fris. Why. (dusting 

Pep. 'Case — 'case you'se so short. 

Fris, Ain't you ashamed you good for nothing black rascal, (attempts 
to hit him with duster— Pepper dodges) Come move about, you'll get all dust 
in here. 

Pep. Dat means, you want me to get up an' dust, don't it? 

Fris. Yes, go along about your work, you black lazy thing. (dusts 

Pep. I'se lazy, is I? Well now you jes don't know, I took Marsa Jonas' 
boat an' I'se been out fishin' eber since four o'clock dis mornin'. Marsa 
won't do nuffin since he's took to whiskey. 

Fris. That's a likely story. Where's'y our fish? (dusts 

Pep. Didn't cotch any. 

Fris. What does it amount to then, if you don't catch any fish ? _ (dusts 

Pep. Why you great gump head; somebody's got to 'sport dis family. 

Fins. Your a perfect nuisance, and I waste my breath talking to you. 
I'll go up and make the beds, and then I'm going for a walk. (exit h. 

Pep. Wase her bref ! I don't think she better, case she'll need it all 
when Aunt Becky is — (looking r.) For de Lawd's sake ! who am dat comin' 
dis way? It am Marsa Jonas an' dat miserable snake Clyde. Dar's some- 
tings dat's goin' on in dis yer house what I don't jest understan'. I'll git 
under de table an' see if I can't git posted up a little, (creeps under table L-) 
Dis am a pretty tight squeeze, but I guess I can stan' it. 

Enter Clyde and Jonas Aldrich R. 

Clyde. Now my friend it's time this business was settled. I've ^o-ited a 
week and I must have an answer to-day. 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE 11 

Jon. But the poor child can't bear the thought of such a thing. 

Clyde. What of that? It all rests with you. She's indebted to you for 
all you've done for her, you've fed and clothed her, given her a good edu- 
cation, and now as she knows it is your wish, if she has any regard for pa- 
rental-duty, she will not resist. 

Jon. Our Sue has ever been a dutiful child, and as I've told you before 
that were I to choose myself, there is no one whom I'd rather have for a 
son-in-law than you. 

Clyde. Then it remains for you to say 'yes' or 'no.' 

Jon. And suppose my answer is 'no?' 

Clyde. Then I'll turn you all out of house and home. 

Jon. (starts) You? You can't do it, and Mr. Morgan will surely give 
me time, now he knows of the misfortune [ have met with. 

Clyde. Ha, ha ! You don't know me yet. Did you take me for a fool? 

Pep. (under table) By golly, I tooked ye fer a willain. 

Clyde. Mr. Morgan has got every cent you owe him, and that paper is 
in my posession. Behold it! [holds up paper) Henceforth Jam the man 
you've got to deal with. Old man, the simple fool may give you time, but 
Jshall not, unless your answer is 'yes.' The hour that sees your daughter 
my wife, will place this paper in your hands; refuse, and out you go. 

Pep. (under table) De ole torn cat's out ob do bag now, sure's yer born. 

Jon. Herman Clyde, I know you now! Was there no other way by 
which you could be content to gain our child? 

Clyde. No sure way, friend Jonas. Ha, ha, ha ! I love the girl and could 
not; bear the thought of giving her up. 

Jon. But the girl does not love you. 

Clyde. What of that? She will in time. All young girls have foolish 
notions in their heads at sometime. 

Pep. (under table) Dey must be foolish notions if dey cared anyting 
'bout you. 

Jon. Are there no other conditions under which you will give up that 
paper? 

Clyde, (folding his arms) None. 

Pep. (under table) You ole rhinoceross ! 

Jon. Then my answer must be — yes, 'though it break the heart of my 
child, (si'tiks in chair in front of table l.) You have played a sharp game 
Clyde, and won, I only hope you will treat my daughter kindly. Leave 
me now, I would be alone. 

Clyde. Very well, 'though I don't see why this should make you so 
gloomy, (at door k. — aside) I thought that would bring him to terms. 
(aloud) Good day my friend, I hope when next we meet you will be in bet- 
ter spirits. (exit R. 

Pep. (under table) You needn't worry, he'll be drunk de fust chance he 
gits. 

Jon. Susie, my dear child, I have sacrificed you to save myself. But 
•what could I do ? That man, if he saw fit could turn us out of doors, and 
render us dependent on the charities of a cold and unfeeling world. Yet 
now, I doubt if my grr;y head can ever rest in peace on the pillow purchas- 
ed at such a price. Oh,, that I could be free from, this great wave of sorrow 
which is crushing me. beneath its heavy burden. If I could only drown it, 
but no, no, no ! (exit R. 

Pep. (creeping from under the table) j-.jlst 'bout broke my back uhder 
dat table. I'se heard 'bout persuin' knowledge under difficulties, but dis 
am de fust time I eber persued hiui under a table. By golly ! dat chap's 
got Marsa Jonas' sails pretty well clewed up, an' de 'teller righl in his own 
hand, an tinks he's goin* to run dis ship hisself. We'll see 'bout dat, he 
jis better look out for dat scalp ob his r or fust he'll know he'll get mutina- 
ted. I 'clar I'se so billin' ober wid indignation dat I must go and cool off, 
'fore some one gets hurt. Thinks I'll take de basket an' go down on de 
shore an' dig ciams. Dey don't make fus'rate grub, but if 'things go dis 
way much longer we'll all be glad to git clams. (exit r. 



12 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

Enter Lillian l. 

Lil. All gone, well perhaps 'tis better that 1 have a few moments to calm 
my fevered brain. Oh, my God! how long must 1 endure this terrible sus- 
pense ? Every hour of my life, I suffer agonies untold, and yet I dare not 
speak. And why ? Because of my love for him. Oh Herman, I would to 
heaven I did not love you. Yes, pirate though you are, and chieftain of 
the "Hunted Crew" I love you still. Yet were I to breathe a word of the 
terrible and wicked life he leads ; wiih one stroke of his bloody sword he'd 
lay me dead at his feet. But rather than see my best friend fall a victim 
to this man's power and passion I'll tell to the world the secret of my life, 
well knowing that the hour I do so will be my last. If by the sacrifice of a 
miserable life like mine I can save another from a fate worse than death, I 
will gladly make it, and feel that I have done my duty. Ah, some one is 
coming. (tries to compose herself 

Enter Susie, c. 

Susie. Lillian, my dear, why do you seclude yourself here in this man- 
ner? Or were you communing with your thoughts. If so I hope they 
were not so sad and gloomy as my own. Oh Lillian! you know, not what 
I suffer. Is there no way by which I can be freed from this terrible weight 
of woe under which I am sinking? 

Lil. {gently draws Sune to her) Yes, dear Susie, I was communing with 
my thoughts, and I assure you they were anything but pleasant. There is 
a way to lift this great sorrow from your young mind, and rest assured it 
shall be done, (aside) Would she accept it if she knew the sacrifice which 
I must make ? (pauses) No, no I I'll not tell her now, it would only be a 
fresh wound in her bleeding heart. 

Susie. Dear Lillian ! tell me your thoughts, your language is a mystery 
to me. "It shall be done ;" what do you mean? You speak as if the pow- 
er were yours to free me from my grief, and yet you withold it from me, 
And still you say, you are my friend, 

Lil. Be patient, and trust me and I will not fail you. I know, dear Susie 
this must seem strange to you, but I cannot explain now, and for both our 
sakes do not seek to know. The time will come when you will find I am 
the truest friend you ever had. But come let us go out and get a breath of 
this fresh morning air, and again I say t© you, be patient and trust your 
sister friend. 

Susie. Oh Lillian, forgive me! I will not doubt you, I'll try to be pa- 
tient, and sometime perhaps the tide will turn, and I shall be able to look 
back on these days, and the sorrow as simply things of the past. Yes, I'll 
go with you, I'll get my hat and be ready in a minute, come, (they exit r. 

Enter Mrs. Aldrich L. 

Mrs A. Things are coming to a pretty pass I should think. My old 
man makes a perfect baby of himself ever since the money '3 took ; just as if 
there's any use crying for spilt milk. Why don't the old idiot spunk up a 
little and go to work. If I ain't greatly mistaken last night his breath smelt 
of whiskey. Just let me catch him in any such scrape and I'll make this 
place too hot to hold him. Where is every body I'd like to know ? Not a 
soul in the house I can find. . That Frisky is getting to be a perfect shirk. 
It's Sue that I pity, poor child, I'm just 'going to put my wits to work and 
see if there ain't some way to save her from that miserable scalawag, who 
she hates as she does the evil one himself. I've got an idea what that crit- 
ter is, but I'll keep it to myself 'till I'm a leetle more sartin'. There's a 
suspicious lookin' craft anchored out in the bay last wight, and Clyde was 
seen going aboard of her just at dusk, and I'll "bet a mess of flapjacks he'a 
Captain of a band of cutthroats. 

Enter Captain St. Morris, with sword and uniform. 
Mrs A. Good gracious ! Captain what does all this mean ? What makes 
you wear that savage looking thing on shore. (pretends to snivel 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 13 

Capt. (smiling) Don't ?get terrified Aunt Becky, I've been aboard the 
Tidal Wave, and being in something of a hurry I did not stop to don my 
citizen's dress. Besides I have another reason, and a very important one it 
is too. 

Mrs A. Land sake8 ! Captain du tell, or is it none of.my business? 

Capt. I came on shore for the express pur pose of seeing Captain Herman 
Clyde of the brig For-get-me-not. 

Mrs A. Captain Herman Clyde? Theu my suspicions are true, and 
ain't that vessel the suspicious lookin' critter that anchored in the bay 
last night ? 

Capt. I don't know what your suspicions may be, but that is certainly 
the vessel, and I have pretty positive information that Clyde is in reality 
the head man, who spends a portion of his time on shore, and for what rea- 
son you and I well know. This also accounts for his mysterious absences 
every few weeks, Aunt Becky, that brig is a pirate, and Clyde is her Cap- 
tain, and was seen going on board of her last evening iu full regalia, unless 
my informant was greatly mistaken. I've (pacing back and forth) got an 
account for him to settle. He has insulted me, and be he pirate or friend 
unless he apologises in a proper manner, I'll run him through the heart, 
miserable coward that he is. 

Mrs A. For mercy's sake, Captain Hugh, don't get that villain mad. You 
risk your life when you do it. 

Capt. I shall take my chances. My own honor and that of another is at 
stake. I long to meet him, face to face, and if he is not a coward, he will 
not refuse to cross swords with his most bitter enemy. At all events I'll 
give him an invitation. If any one asks for me send them to my room, (exit u. 

Mrs A. Well, here's a pretty kettle of fish 1 Every body around here a 
worryin' and a frettin' but me — I'm the only tranquil person in the house. 

Enter Pepper, h. 3 e. — He stands quietly at back of stage. 

Pep. (to himself ) Not a clam ! I git up early in de mornin', go out in* 
de boat, come back — not a fish I Den I takes de basket an' goes down on de 
shore, come back — not a clam 1 I almost got 'scouraged. 

Mrs A. What are you talking about there, you lazy, good-for-nothing, 
black imp of darkness ? Where have you been all the morning ? 

Pep. All de mornin'? What time ob day do you tink dis am ? It am 
after noon, and I'se been out eber since fo' 'clock dis mornin' arter perwis- 
ions fer de family, and I'se hungry as a whale. Now you call me lazy. I 
tell you ole hoss fly, I ain't goin' to stand such abuse much longer. 

Mrs A. (enraged) I'm thunderstruck ! How dare you talk to me in this- 
manner ? I've a notion to break your foolish head for you. 

Pep. Well, I'se been lightnin' struck, an' dis yer head stood de shock 
fust rate. But I 'clar dis am a different t;ng — I almost 'gin to feel weak in 
de knees. 

Mrs A. (taking him by the coat collar) I'll see if you are going to talk to 
me in this way. (shakes him) Right in my own house, too. (shakes) Take 
that will you ! If the old man don't tend to your case, I'll take you in hand. 
(shakes) I'll let you know you can't run over me. (shakes and pushes him away 

Pep. You jess leff me alone, now. I'se had just about enough o' dat. You 
better not shake dis pepper box much more, 'cause if yer do, I'll forget you 
are a female, an' den somebody'd git hurt. An' anoder ting, dis ain't your 
house — Marsa Clyde's de boss ob dis here shanty, so you'd jess better go slow.. 

Mrs A. I don't believe a word you say. 

Pep. Can't help dat, but sich am de melumcolly fac\ He tole Marsa 
Jonas he'd got dat paper ob Mr. Morgan's, right in his pocket — an' dat am 
60, 'cause I seed it* 

Mrs A. (interested) Where did you see it? 

Pep. In his pocket, I tole you. 

Mrs A. Where were you ? 

Pep. I was under de table a'pickin' up de scrums, an' scrowbars, an' piu» 



14 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

afores, an' wheelbarrows, an.' Marsa Jonas an' Marsa Clyde come in, an' I 
was doin' what I toie ye — an' dey had some conversation, an' purty soon 
Marsa Clyde took de paper out o' his pocket, an' tell Marsa Jonas if he 
didn't do so an' so, he'd got to git up an' git. 

Mrs A. What were the conditions ? Tell me all about it. 

Pep. He said — Marsa Clyde you know — dat Marsa Jonas must let him 
marry Miss Susie, else he'd turn you all out doors. An den he — Marsa Jo- 
nas yer know — said arter dey'd argered de case a while, dat dey'd call it a 
'trade. Now you knows as much about it as I do, an' more too I guess. 

Mrs A. Why didn't you tell me of this before ? You're a nice man, you 
are, Jonas Aldrich. You're a pretty father to a poor orphan. I'll give you 
a piece of my mind if I can move my tongue. 

Pep. {aside) It never went back on de old lady yit. 

Mrs A. Pepper, where's your master ? 

Pep. Don't know. Ain't seen him for some time. 

Mrs A. Where've you been ? 

Pep. Down on de sho' arter clams. 

Mrs A. Well, I'm glad of that. We'll have a clam chowder for supper. 
There's nothing I like better, and I have'nt had one for a long time. 

Pep. An' dar ain't much prospect we'll hab one fer a long time to come, 
unless somebody cotches de clams. 

Mrs A. What ! Do you mean to stand there and tell me you've been out 
hunting clams all the forenoon, and come back with an empty basket? 

Pep. Dat's a fac' sure's yer born. I do'no what de matter was, but dey 
^wouldn't bite. Guess it was because I forgot to spit on de bait. 

Mrs A. (siezing broom) You get out of this room or I'll break your head. 
{Pepper runs, she chases him around the stage and hits him over the head as he 
exits, h.) I declare, there ain't many women that would stand that darkey's 
impertinence and not get their temper disturbed. But I've learned that in 
•order to get along in this world, a body's got to have patience. There's no 
iuse in frettin'. 

Enter, Jonas k., considerably intoxicated, 

Jon. (sings) "Let the cannons boom as they will, 
We'll be gay and happy still." 

(Mrs. A. is very much surprised 
Becky Maria, look at me, and behold your admirer, your protector, and 
supporter. (holds on to back of the chair 

Mrs A. (very loud) Sup-porter ! Jonas Aldrich, you old fool, you've 
been supping whiskey. But it's just what I expected. 

Jon. (still holding on) An' you know Becky Maria, I wouldn't disappoint 
your expectations for the world — hie. I feel like a new — hie — man, and 
Becky Maria, I wish you could experience as great a change in — hie — some 
way. You're too much of a sameness — hie — too much you know — hie — the 
same all the time. Ycu ain't proportioned right — hie — (leaning over chair) 
not'n 'nuf heart and too much jaw — hie. I've supported you a good many 
— hie— years, Becky Maria — hie — and you ought to have some respect for 
my feelings. 

Mrs A. (in a rage) Supporting me! Jonas Aldrich, I should like to 
know who was supportin' you, now ? 

Jon. Why — hie — don't you see Becky Maria, that this chair's supportin' 
me? 

Mrs A. (siezing broom) I've a great notion to whack you over the head 
with this broom. To think that after all these years I should see you in such 
a plight as this, (raises broom) Now take yourself out of my sight, or I 
shan't be responsible for the consequences. Come, start. 

Jon. (standing up) Becky Maria, I've changed— hie — turned over a new 
leaf. I'm different from what I was. You've ruled thi3 roost — 'ic — long 
'nuf, and I'm going to cast my anchor right here,— (raises himself on his toes 
■and comes down on his heels — staggers) — and run this craft myself. 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 15 

Mrs A. Old man, I've a great notion to scratch your eyes out. You're 
making a perfect beast of yourself, and I'm disgusted with you. You're dis- 
gracing the whole family. Our Sue will be mortified to death when she sees 
her father in such a condition. I declare you ought to be horsewhipped. 

Jon. {trying to put his hand on her shoulder) Calm your feelings Becky 
Maria — hie — 'taint no use. Suke's got to shirk for herself. I've — hie — done 
a good thing for the gal, and I can't 'ford to do it any longer. The Cap'n '11 
soon look after her, an' if he does as well by her as I have by you — hie — 
he'll make her a good husband. 

Mrs A. You'd better take yourself out of this room, and go to bed, you 
miserable, drunken brute. You've no regard for yourself, nor the feelin'a 
of any of your family* and the quicker you're out of my sight the better. 

Jon. I tell you Becky Maria, you needn't get mad. I don't bear you no 
ill will. But I want it 'stinctly understood, that from this time, henceforth 
and forever forward, I ain't goin' to be bulldozed. Now, kiss me and let's 
make up. 

Mrs A. (slaps him in the mouth — he staggers backward hitting a chair into 
which he quickly drops) I'll learn you to talk to me in that way. Me kis3 
such an object as you are. Your breath smells of whiskey strong enough to 
knock me over. 

Jo?i. Pr'aps you're right, Becky Maria. Pr'aps that's what knocked me 
over, but 1 thought I felt something a leetle more sartin. 

Mrs A. You old heathen ! If I hit you again, I'll make you lay still a 
while. If you had some women to deal with, they'd kill you outright. You 
are enough to try the patience of Job. 

Jon. (still sitting) Job was poor, wasn't he ? You know Becky — hie — 
Maria, if you should kill me, you'd be my widder and have all my proper- 
ty, (takes bottle from pocket) There's lots of fun in this, Becky Maria — lots 
■of good times, (drinks) Lots of fun in me — lots of good times, (reaches 
■bottle towards her) Better have some, old woman — hie — better have some — 
lots of fun. 

Mrs A. (snatching the bottle) We'll see whether you get any more of 
this or not. Rather than give it up, I'll smash it over your head. 

Jon. (trying to get up, at last succeeds, and attempts to get the bottle. She 
runs around the stage and he with great effort folloivs) Don't be a hog Becky 
Maria, don't be a hog. (folloios hzr around stage, she runs out, L. He not 
seeing her exit, continues arowid the stage, saying) Hold on Becky Maria, 
hold'on, and I'll divide with you. (sees she has gone) Hallo! Becky's gone, 
and the bottle's gone — one'll come back and t'other won't, and its sure to be 
the wrong one. (wraps table spread around him and lies dozon upon the floor) 
If I've got to sleep alone, I'm going to bed. (}->ause) Lots of fun — lots of 
good times. Don't be a hog, Becky Maria— (pause)— lots of fun— lots of 
good times. (sleeps 

Enter Pepper, c. — sees Jonas and laughs heartily. 

Tep. By golly, dat ole rooster's tired — he tinks tlis am de lodgin' room. 
By fury, he's got de table cloth wrapped right around him. Dis nebber'll 
do, not right in here. Somethin'sgot to be did. 

( tries to roll him over so as to get the fable spread. 

Jon. (asleep) Becky Maria, keep yuur cold feet away. (Pepper laughs 
and tries to pull of the'spr-ead) Hold on ! Hold on there 1 Becky Maria, 
you're gittin' all the clothes. 

Pep. By golly, de ole rhinoceross tinks I'se a female. ( takes him by the 
shoulder and raises him to a sitting posture) You had better be toddlin' afore 
somebody sees you. 

Jon. (half awake) Lots of fun 1 Lots o' good times ! (wakes) Pepper, 
you here ? And — hie — there's yer twin brother right side on ye. 

Pep. By chowder, de ole man's got 'em, as sure's yer born. 

Jon. Come, stand still, and — hie — help me up. (business ad lib, getting vp 

Pep. Come, stir yourself now, -and git out o' here afore the ole woman sees 
you. (Jones leans heavily on Pepper, and they move slowly towards l. 



16 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

Jon. This all comes of Becky Maria's quick temper. (sings as they go 
"Help one another boys, do it with a will, 
And never push a man, because he's going down the hill." 

(they exit, l. 

Enter Clyde r. cautiously. He wears a long, black coat, with cape. 

Clyde. The coast begins to look a little hazy, and I've made up my mind 
that the sooner the Forget-me-not and her crew leave these parts, the bet- 
ter. But I am bound not to go without the prize. I expect warm work, but 
if the boys do not desert me, I hope to be successful. If it wasn't for that 
meddlesome Captain St. Morris — curse him — the thing would be much eas- 
ier ; but we've got to take things as they come, (looking l.) And they are 
beginning to come already. 

Enter Captain St. Morris, L. 

Capt. Ah, Captain Herman Clyde, this is a fortunate meeting. I have 
been hoping to meet you for some time. 

Clyde. I am at your service, sir — pray make known your business, and 
then I demand to know why you addressed me as Captain. 

Capt. My reason, sir, is because it belongs to you as Captain of the worst 
band of pirates on the water; and my business Captain Herman Clyde, is to- 
demand a retraction of the slanderous reports you have circulated about 
another person and myself — the other I do not choose to name. Sir, wilL 
you comply with my request? I await your answer. 

Clyde. My answer is no I Now defend yourself if you can. 

Clyde throws op his cloak which is only buttoned at the top, showing the uni- 
form of a pirate captain, with sword, knife and revolvers. At the same 
time drawing his sword, and taking position. Captain St. Morris also 
draws his sword. 

Capt. Be sure I'll try, sir. Come on. 

They fight. Captain St. Morris at last makes a sweeping stroke upioard, ap» 
parently striking Clyde on the left side of his head, knocking off his hat. 
Clyde instantly puts his hand to his head, turns and shows the side of his 
face covered with blood. At this point, enter hastily from L. Lillian, Susie, 
Frisky and Pepper, and at the sa?ne time from R. Bowie Knife Jack and 
Sling Shot Rube, with knives drawn. Pepper and Frisky draw revolvers 
and shoot them, and they fall e. Clyde also staggers and falls in front of 
the centre of the stage. 

Clyde, (having fallen) It's all up, but I die game. 

Ld. (screams) Heavens ! He is killed ! 

(staggers and is supported by Captain St. Morris. 

Clyde, (with an effort raises himself upon his elbow and draws a revolver — 
to Lillian) I owe this to you, curse you! (his strength fails, he falls back' 
ward, and the revolver is discharged in the air) 

Capt. Miss Lacy, what are you to that man ? 

Lil. Oh, heaven I I am his wife. (faints and is supported as before 

Lillian l., Capt. St. Morris beside her. Susie, Frisky and Pepper, h. C. Bodies 
of Jack and Rube, r. Clyde, dead, front ofo, 

TABLEAU AND CCRTAIX. 



There is supposed to be a lapse of one year between the second and third acts* 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. IT 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — Best room in Jonas Aldrich's house. Lounge r. C, chairs r. l. 
and c. Nautical pictures on the walls. Looking glass hangs back of stage, L. C. 

Enter Frisky, h., with duster, and dust-cap on her head. 

Frisky. Oh, dear ! I hope we shan't have any more company for one 
while. Here I've been all over the house, sweeping and dusting, dusting 
and sweeping, and Aunt Becky right at my heels finding fault with every- 
thing I do. This room is where 1 commenced, and here's where I'll stop. 
{arranges cover on lounge, etc.) Precious little comfort anyone in this house 
has taken for the last year. Uncle Jonas has taken to drink so that the 
family have had to manage every way to keep the wolf from the door, and 
I fear this could not have been done had it not been for the mysterious pres- 
ents which have been received. I know well. enough where they come from 
— Captain Hugh is the donor, and a nobler and better man never walked a 
ship's deck. I'm thinking it won't be long before he and Sue will set sail 
on the voyage of life together. Well, I hope they will — I wouldn't mind 
such a voyage myself, if I could find a good mate, (looks in glass) I declare, 
I must look like a fright, (takes off cap, and hangs up duster) It's time 
Colonel Ellsworth was here, now — he's coming up from Boston to see Cap- 
tain Hugh about the new vessel which is being built. The Colonel is fitting 
her out for the mercantile service, and Captain Hugh is to command her. 
The Colonel has taken a great fancy to him ever since they became ac- 
quainted, but this will be the first time he has ever been here, and I guess 
he'll think we're awful dirty — (dusts her shoulders with her handkerchief) — 
everything is so stirred up. 

Enter Pepper , r. in time to hear the last remark. 

Pep. If dat's de case, why don't you keep still an' let tings settle? 

Fris. I suppose I must primp up a little before the Colonel gets here. I 
do wish folks would stay at home — I don't like company. I wish 1 could 
do something to frighten him as soon as he comes. If I could, I declare I'd 
do it. 

Pep. By gollyi I know what'll do it, sure's yer born. 

Fris. What is it, Pepper ? 

Pep. Go bang yer hair. (laughs 

Fris. Go 'long off with your nonsense. 

Pep. An' if dat don't fetch him, unwind a few yards ob Pinafore — dat'll 
send him a hoppin' like a grasshopper in June. 

Fris. Pepper, I really think you're too bad. You take every opportuni- 
ty that offers to poke fun at me. You'd better go and see where your mas- 
ter is — he has been gone all the forenoon. 

Pep. Marsa Jonas can jist take care ob himself for all|dis chile. I can't 
help it if he makes a swill-tub ob himself. 'Sides I've got somethin' else to 
tend to. I tell you what 'tis Frisk, I had de most wonderfullest dream last 
night ye eber heerd on, and ebery time I tink ob it, I feel a sort ob come- 
all-oberishness dat I can't account for. 

Fris. Ha, ha, ha ! Poor fellow! I do not believe in dreams, but I should 
like to know what could effect you in the manner you describe. 

Pep. Well, you know, Miss Frisky, de night we had dat scrimmage wid 
de pirates ? 

Fris. Yes, I shall never forget it. Go on. 

Pep. Well, if I recomleft right, dey got euchered, didn't dey ? 

Iris. What of that? Why don't you go on with your story ? 

Pep. Well, as I was saying, arter dat scrimmage, one ob dem debils afore 
he kicked de bucket, was out ob his head and kept raving all dejtime, and 
he kept talkin' about de wild waves, an' de wessel, an' de bat's retreat down 



18 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

on de shore, and last night as I was telling you, I had a very curious dream 
about dat chap. 

Fris. If you are going to tell me your dream, why don't you do it? 

Pep. Does yer think l'se going to tell yer any more? Yes, I guess not. 
I'll jest wait till I go down dar, an' when I gets back I tole yer all about it. 

Fris. You're the biggest nuisance I ever saw. I'll leave you to talk to 
the walls. (about to exit, i. 

Pep. Can't help dat. It was a very curious dream, (laughs as Frisky 
exits l.) Dat gal ain't got any more patience than a setting hen. (laughs) 
Well, I'll go down to de shore and den I'll know more about de dream. By 
golly it was a curious dream, anyhow. (exit, R. 

Enter Captain St. Morris and Susie, L. 

Capt. Yes, Susie, I have a story to tell you. Come, sit by me. 

(they sit upon the lounge. 

Susie. Thanks. Go on, I am ready for the story. 

Capt. Well, once it happened, many years ago, that a vessel set sail from 
Portsmouth, England. The Captain "had on board, his handsome young 
wife, and their infant daughter. The voyage proved rough and stormy, and 
the vessel was six days behind time. When within twelve hours of the 
American coast, they fell in with a band of pirates, and after a long chase, 
their vessel was captured and plundered, the passengers and crew were 
bound, and the vessel set adrift in the very face of an approaching storm. 

Susie. I would to heaven that such horrible scenes were less frequent, 
even now. But I am interrupting you. 

Capt. Well, the English vessel was wrecked in port, and all on board 
perished save one. That one was the young child who was cast up by the 
waves, and was found the next morningat the turn of the tide, bv a kind 
old fisherman, and adopted as his own, as no clue was found to tell who 
Bhe was. 

Susie. Alas ! How very much like my own sad experience! 

Capt. Yes, they were very similar, indeed. But to continue : the little 
waif was well taken care of — the years rolled on and she blossomed into a 
charming young lady, and as good as she was beautiful. In the course of 
time she formed the acquaintance of a young sailor, who was a little inclin- 
ed to be wild at times, but who soon learned to love her with the whole 
wealth of his affection — (Susie toys ivith her handkerchief) — but whose tonguo 
was silent because his love was not returned. 

Sune. Your story has been very interesting, but what was the name of 
the vessel which was wrecked when almost in port ? 

Capt. It wa? "The Silver Moon." 

Susie. And the little wait— — 

Capt. Was the one who now sits by my side, and whom I have, and still 
do love better than life itself, and as circumstances have changed within 
the last year, I have reason to believe my love is returned, (puts his arm 
around her xoaist and takes her hand) Pray do not keep me in suspense, but 
tell me if the hopes of the past years are all in vain, and I must lose the 
prize I have so long desired to win. 

Susie. Oh, Captain Hugh, I like your story, but I expected to hear some- 
thing new — this is the same 'old story.' 

Capt. Those words give me new hope. Oh, tell me that at last you have 
learned to love me. 

Susie. That I cannot do, for I learned it long ago. But you are aware of 
the circumstances under which I was placed, and over which, as an obedi- . 
ent daughter, I had no control. And then you know, (with a smile) most 
young ladies do not give their hearts away without the asking. 

Capt. Ah ! now you are trying to tease me, but the words you have just 
spoken more than repay me for all the agonv I endured during those dark 
days when I thought you lost to me forever! 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. ,19 

Susie. But dear Hugh, there is .one thing you seem to forget— you are 
aware of my poor father's sad misfortune, and yet you would 

Cant, {interrupting) Yes, poor man, overburdened with care and sor- 
row, he sought to drown it in the sparkling cup. But that does not, and 
never can, change my deep love for you ; and heaven grant that your poor 
father may yet be saved from filling a drunkard's grave. 

Enter Jonas Aldrich, r., in time to hear the last remark. 

Jin. (c. — all rise) And my dear boy, heaven has heard your prayer. I 
have not drank a drop to-day, and I stand before you for the first time in 
more than a year, entirely free from the terrible curse. I have sworn to 
east it aside forever, and when the old man once makes up his mind, the 
thing is settled. Sue, my child, I have been a disgrace to you, but hence- 
forth I will atone for the suffering I have caused you, by kind acts and lov- 
ing deeds, and from this day, rest assured you will never see your old grey 
headed father reeling home at night. 

Susie, (ivho has been weeping, places her hand on his shoulder) My kindest 
and best of friends, and the only father I ever knew, how true that bless- 
ings like misfortunes, never come singly. How happy I shall be to know 
that you will be free from that deadly poison. 

Capt. Accept my congratulations for your good resolution — that it will 
be a permanent one I have no doubt. 

Jon. I have spent the 1 as I", year of my life in dissipation, but I feel that j 
have got strength enough left to be once more a man. But why do I find 
you two here caged up like a couple of canary birds? (to Captain) Hugh, 
roy boy, has your faint heart at last found courage? (to Susie) And Sue, 
my child, what makes the roses bloom so quickly on your cheeks ? Come, 
tell us all about it? 

Capt. Yes, Uncle Jona<s I have learned that my fondest hopes were not 
in vain, and this — [indicating Susie) — little "Gem of the Ocean," has con- 
descended to be my "first mate" in the voyage of life. 

Jon. Well, we'l, it is all right — I am glad of it. I interfered once, and 
I've found I didn't better matters, so this time I wash my hands of the 
whole business. 

Susie. Never mind, father, you meant all for the best. Come, Hugh, we 
will go and find Lillian. (they exit r., arm in arm. 

Jon. (watching them) That is a pretty good looking couple. So the Cap- 
tain is going to make my Sue first mate. Well, if she is like some women, 
it will be a great wonder if 3he don't promote herself to Captain at last. 

Enter Mrs. Aldrich, L., so as to hear the last. 

Mrs A. That was meant for a slur on me, old man, and I know it. Don't 
you think it looks well for a man to be all the time casting reflections on 
bis own wife? Jonas Aldrich, I am not going to stand your abuse much 
longer. Here I'm digging and scrubbing, scrubbing and digging, from 
morning till night, and you off all the time, drunk. Pretty man you are, 
Jonas Aldrich, to talk in the way you do, to your own lawful wife. 

Jon. Yes, you are a lawful wife, and an awful wife, too. But one thing 
I tell you, Becky Aldrich, I'm not drunk — havn't tasted a drop to-day, and 
when you see me the worse for liquor again, I hope you, or some one else 
will be merciful enough to shoot me on the spot. I have seen what it leads 
to; when I went out to-day, I saw two men, drunk, drawn knives in their 
hands, eyes glaring, and both their faces covered with blood — and for what? 
Some petty dispute caused by rum, and the end was, the death of both. 
When I saw this, I began to see my own folly, and the dangerous road upon 
"which I was traveling. From that moment I resolved to cast aside the 
poison forever, and that resolution I intend to keep. 

Mrs A. Well, I declare! You talk well enough, but I don't believe 
you'll hold out. 



20 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

Jon. Time will tell, time will tell ! I am going to my room now, sober, 
for the first time in many a day. (exit, c. 

Mrs A. That's so, old man, that is if you are sober now, and I guess you 
are ; and I hope to goodness you'll keep so. But it is pietty hard when a 
habit is once formed to break it off all at once, and if it was anybody else I 
should have my doubts, but I've found out that when JoDas Aldrich once 
puts his foot down, that foot's going to stay. But I mustn't fool away my 
time here, It's time that Major, or Colonel or somethin', was here— I wish 
he'd stay to home and mind his own business, but out of respect for Captain 
Hugh, I couldn't refuse to tidy up the house a bit, and unless my eyes de- 
ceive me, there's one here besides the Captain who doesn't dread his com- 
ing. When we first found out that he was coming up here, I saw the spark- 
le in her eyes, and her face turned red all over. I vum that gal is a mys- 
tery — but a better critter never lived. We took her in here when she was 
left out in the cold. But she'd better stayed there than to live in the way 
she had been, when that good-for-nothing man of her's was alive. Thank 
goodness, he won't trouble her any more, and she was a fool to keep her se- 
cret as long as she did — I'd sent him hoppin' long before. But if I don't 
look out I shall talk to myself here all night, (looks of, r.) Well, I never, 
if there ain't Captain Hugh and our Sue settin' out under that grape vine to- 
gether. I wouldn't wonder a mite if he popped the question to-night. I've 
been expecting it for a long time — (looks) — and I vum she ain't got a thing 
around her, only a coat sleeve, and in this night air. A coat sleeve is good 
as far as it goes, and it generally goes as far as it can, butit won't always an- 
swer, (loudly) Sue, child, tie your handkercher over your ears, or you'll catch 
your death 'o cold. Well, well 1 I mustn't stay here another minute, (exit r. 

Enter Lillian, l., with an open letter. 

Lil. So our guest has not arrived yet. At times I dread his coming, 
while at others I feel that a sight of the features I used to know, would 
awaken the memories of by-gone days, and be a relief from the dull monot- 
ony of our quiet every day life. I wonder if he will be changed so very 
much! And will he know me? It is many years since I have looked 
upon his honest face. At times I am foolish enough to believe that he 
would not have come up here, had he not learned from Captain St. Morris 
that his old friend was here. Ever since he learned of my whereabouts, he 
has sent me letters at regular intervals, and I — I hope I have not done 
wrong — have answered them. And now he writes that when we meet, he 
hopes the friendship of earlier days may be renewed, and that can only 

mean But I will not anticipate, I'll go up and sit by my window, 

and not be the first to meet him. (exit, c. 

Pep. (outside, r.) Right along dis way, Colonel. We's been expectin* 
you for some time. 

Enter Pepper and Colonel Ellsworth, r. Pepper has the little trunk under 

his arm. 

Pep. Dis is de room, Colonel, but it's sleeked up so I didn't know it at 
fust. Make yourself to home, till we has more company, (showing box} 
Here's what I found in de 'Bat's Retreat' — I knew all de time dat dream 
meant something. Won't de ole boss feel good now ? And if de ole jay bird 
goes to callin' me a good for nothin' nigger any more, I'll jest spread my- 
self right on de spot, and gib her a few ob my choicest sentiments. 

Col. Here, my colored friend, I do not know what your name is, but can 
you tell me how long Jonas Aldrich has resided here? 

Pep. Ob course 1 can. My name's Pepper — Peppei Mace. I'se de spice 
cb de whole family. Uncle Jonas, de boss, has lived here all his days, so 
I've heard him say many a time. 

Col. Then he must have been here when 'Tne Silver Moon' was wrecked 
on this coast nineteen years ago? 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 21 

Pep. Been here? Guess he was. He saved de life ob de only soul dat 
fiurwibed dat terrible time. 

Col. Then they didn't all perish ? 

Pep. All but de little gal. 

Col. All but the little girl ! Can it be ? No, I am foolish to entertain 
such a thought. It was doubtless one of the young lady passengers. 

Pep. If you's interested in dat smash-up, de boss can tell you all de 
particulars. Say, Colonel, was you eber a sailor? 

Col. Yes, my friend, I have spent the greater portion of my time on the 
water. I suppose, living here, you must be quite at home there. No one 
can command my respect any quicker than a good sailor. Were you ever 
on board a whaler ? 

Pep. (aside) I'm bound to hab dis old chap's respect anyway, {aloud) 
Yes, sir. When I was a youth, I shipped for a whalin' voyage to de North 
Seas. I went wid my father who was de Captain ob de good ship "Crazy 
Jane." You see boss— sit down won't ye— (they sit) — my old man was a 
good whaler, he had practiced so much on me, that he'd got quite exquirt 
at de business. I was a little afraid to undertake de voyage at first, 'cause 
I'd heard a story about a chap dat went on a similar voyage once, and got 
badly took in. His name was Jonah. Perhaps you've heard de story ? 

Col. (smiling) I think I remember it, Pepper. 

Pep. Jonah was fool enough to try to swallow a whale, and it made him 
so seasick dat he had to spit him out. We steered for de source ob de Au- 
rora Borealis, and cruised about for a long time afore we could get a single 
whaler. Well, yer see, one day I was takin' my turn at de look-out, when 
I seed something white in de distance, and I 'mediately shouted 'sail ho I* 
Den de Captain cleared de deck mighty sudden, and put it in his pocket. 
"Reef de anchor," he yelled. "Splice de forecastle, haul up de main brace, 
all hands 'round, swing yer partners, grand right and left." De mate want- 
ed de old man to board de strange vessel, but he said he didn't feel able to 
board anybody since his son had developed sich an appetite. But it turned 
out dere wasn't any wessel to board. What I seed was an iceberg. Den 
ebery body got mad. My father grabbed a rope, and took me^into de cabin 
on a whalin' voyage. 

Col. That must have been a serious voyage ? 

Pep. Yes, yer right. Dat voyage was productive of more blubber than 
any he eber made, 'fore or since. Well, one morning my father and his 
good lookin' son was a standing on de fifty cent deck — we didn't hab any- 
thing as cheap as a quarter-deck on our wessel — and he pinted out Davis' 
Strait to me. He said dat was de most dangerous strait he eber encountered. 

Col. Why so, my friend ? 

Pep. Don't know, but I asked him if it was as bad as 'whiskey straight.' 
Den he mopped de deck wid me, and went straight to de cabin, locked him- 
self in and got blind drunk. 

Col. Well, this far exceeds any experience I ever'encountered. 

Pep. Dat's what I thought. Well, a few days after dis, our ship was 
caught in a calm — it was de most violent calm I eber seed. De shin was 
still for as much as a long time, 'cause dar wasn't any wind to fill de sails. 
Den de Captain got three sheets in de wind, but it wasn't enough to start 
us. After dat, we run out ob perwisions, and I didn't eat anything for six 
weeks but one egg — and I shouldn't had dat but for de foresight ob de ole 
man. 

Col. (aside) I'll humor this fellow, (aloud) An egg! How did you get 
eggs on board a whaler in the North Seas ? 

Pep. Well, you see de Captain ordered de ship to 'lay to,' and he gib me 
one ob 'em. (laughs) After dat, all dis chile had to eat was a piece ob an 
ole suspender. 

Col. Yes, I see. But how did you survive ? 

Pep. Surwibe! We didn't. We all starved, and were jest casting lots 
to see who should die first, when a couple ob whales where sighted to lee- 



22 THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

ward. We went for 'em and harnessed 'em to de ship, and drove 'em 
-Southard at de rate ob sixty-two miles a minute, reaching port in safety on 
de afternoon ob de second day. 

Col. When did you make this remarkable voyage? 

Pep. I think it was in nineteen hundred and lebenty-leben. 

Enter Jonas Aldrich and Captain St. Morris, L. 

■Capt. Glad to see you, Colonel. I did not know that you had arrived. 

{they shake hands. 

•Col. I overtook Pepper on the way and was shown in by him. 

Capt. {introducing) Colonel Ellsworth, let me make you acquainted with 
>my friend, Jonas Aldrich. 

Jon. Very giad to meet you Colonel, {they shake hands) Ours is a 
homely place here, but you are very welcome to it. Make yourself at home. 

Col. Thanks, I shall do very well. 

Pep. {showing the little box) Marsa Jonas, I'se found de money dem vil- 
lains stole de night ob de storm. Here it is, safe and sound. 

Jon. The money that was taken from my desk? Impossible! Yet surely 
this is the same box. Where did you find it? 

Pep. You see boss, I had a very curious dream, and I see de box up 
among de rocks by de shore, and I went down dar and found de money jest 
as I saw it in de dream. 

Jon. Quite a remarkable as well as profitable dream. Pepper, you shall 
not go unrewarded. 

Pep. It's all right, boss — I don't ask a cent, {looking l.) But here comes 
de females. 

Enter Lillian and Susie, l. 

Col. {upon seeing Susie — aside) The same face! 

Capt. Ah, truants, where have you been? Lillian, let me present you 
to our friend the Colonel. I believe you are not entirely strangers ? 

Col. Ho, Captain, Mrs. Clyde and myself used to be friends, and I hope 
the friendship may be continued. 

Lil. Thank you, Colonel — I am very glad to renew our acquaintance. 

Jon. Colonel, this is our Sue, the best girl along the coast. 

Col. Happy to {raising his eyes to her face) Heavens ! I cannot be 

mistaken. Pray excuse me, friend Aldrich, but if I am rightly informed, 
this is not your own daughter ? 

Jon. Who's a better right to claim her? It is true however, that I did 
-find her down on the shore, after the wreck of "The Silver Moon," nineteen 
years ago. 

Col. Nineteen years ago ! And this young lady now is 

Jon. Not far from twenty-one years old. Of course we have no means 
>of knowing her age, only when we picked hei* up we judged her to- be a 
little less than two years old. But why do you take so much interest in an 
entire stranger? 

Col. Because nineteen years ago I was Captain of "The Silver Moon," 
and at the time of her wreck, my wife, and a daughter of about that same 
age, were on board — and another stranger coincidence is, that you have 
given her the same name that we had given our little one. 

Jon. Colonel, there ain't anything strange about that — the name was on 
a little ring we found with her. 

Col. True, I had forgotten that. Let me see the little trinket, if you 
have it. {Susie advances and holds out the ring, tohich she has suspended by a 
chain around her neck. He examines it.) It is the same — I remember it 
well. My child, can you realize that I am your father whom you supposed 
dead years ago? 

Susie. I am so glad to know you. {puts her hands on his shoulders) I 
have never wanted for parental care, but I have so longed at times to know 
who 1 was. 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 23 

Enter Mrs. Aldrich, c. 

Col. The proof is positive — you are my child ; but if more were needed 
you have it in your face — you are the very image of your mother. 

Mrs A. Well, I never ! Wonders will never cease ! 

Pep. Bress de Lawd ! 

Lit. Susie, remember what I have often told you. You know 'truth 13 
stranger than fiction.' 

Mrs A. Well, I should say it wa3. 

dipt. Colonel, you are leaving me out in the cold. I thought you came 
up to see me on business? 

Col. All in sood time. However it was not our business alone, that call- 
ed me here. There's another in the secret, one who I trust will not object 
to my visit. {glances at Lillian. 

Mrs A. That's it. I knew something had been ailin' that gal, all 
along. 

Lit. Why, Aunt Becky ! Of course I am glad to welcome any old friend 
of mine at any time. 

Jon. I shall regret to loose Sue, but I will bear the sorrow the best I can, 
knowing that your claim is prior to mine. But then it will make but little 
difference, for the Captain there was going to take ner away from me before 
long, and doubtless will not give up his intentions, even now. He's a per- 
sistant young fellow, Colonel. 

Col. Yes, I suppose he is. Well, I will not be too severe on the Captain, 
for I've been thinking of the same thing myself. 

Capt. Let us change the subject. You have not yet told U3 how you sur- 
vived the wreck of "The Silver Moon." 

Col. The story is short. When the vessel went to pieces, I found myself 
in the water, apparently some distance from the others, and the first pres- 
ence I felt was a plank washed against me. I clung to this and was washed 
against a point of rock near the shore, but I could not keep a hold upon it, 
and I dare not let go the plank. I remained in this position until the tide 
turned when I was carried out to sea and picked up by the very band of pi- 
rates which set the vessel adrift. But ere this, the storm was past and the 
pirates had left their leader on shore, and were then bound on a new expe- 
dition. I was made their prisoner, but fortune was in my favor and I es- 
caped from the vessel when near a small island, they doubtless thinking I 
had been lost in the waste of waters. I remained on this island two days 
when I signaled a ship which was bound for Calcutta. I was taken on 
board and carried to that port. I read the account of the wreck, and saw 
the statement that not a soul was saved and but few bodies found. Thea 
after the loss of my family, I did not care to dispute the report. I remained 
in Calcutta ten years, and when I returned to Boston the circumstance of 
of the wreck was merely a thing of the past. 

Jon. Have you ever made any inquiries since your return? 

Col. Yes, but could learn nothing. 

Jon. Well, that isn't to be wondered at. Nearly every one here supposes 
this girl to be our own child. 

Enter Frisky, b. 

Fris. I'll tell you what it is, if {sees Colonel Ellsworth) Excuse 

me, I had forgotten about our visitor. 

Pep. Yaas, Miss Frisky, dis is de Colonel, {bows) and I tell you he's a 
screamer — he's de Robersnn Crevvso ob de new world. 

Capt. Colonel, I suppose our business can wait till to-morrow? 

Col. Yes, and longer. I am obliged to leave in a few hours, besides we 
do not want to talk of business affairs now. If you will give me as warm a 
welcome as you have this time, I will come again in a few days. 

All but Lillian and Pepper, We certainly will. 



24 IRE TURN OF THE TIDE. 

Pep. We shall feel highly honored wid your presence at any time Colo- 
nel. 

Col. But Mrs. Clyde — Lillian, why are you silent? Your wishes I shall 
resnect the most. 

Lil. You may re3t assured I shall be .glad to see you at any time. 

Col. But I shall only come as au accepted suitor for your baud. There, 
I've said it, and now I will await your answer. 

Lil. But Colonel, it is so sudden. And there is a matter you seem to for- 
get — I was once the wife of a 

3 Col. (interrupting) No, I have not forgotten, and I honor you for the 
course you took, because he was your husband. 

Lil. And I could not forget our first year of happiness — but a change 
came, when his love was changed to hate, and he became so bad. 

Col. Never mind that. Will you give me your answer ? Shall the old 
vows be renewed ? 

Lil. Colonel Ellsworth, if you will be content to take me, knowing my 
history as you do, then I say, yes. 

Col. (taking her hand) Thank you for those words, Lillian. Your trust 
shall not be misplaced. 

Jon. Well, Colonel, I am surprised. 

Mrs A. Of all this world ! Wonder on wonder ! 

Pep. Bress de Lawd ! (Susie and Captain, l. c. 

Fris. (r.) I'm forgotten by all, (sighs) with no one to love. I'm left 
out in the cold. 

Pep. (i--) Waal now, if you is really pinin' for some one to love, you 
can cast your affections onto me, de bold rover ob de seas. Hm I 

l<ris. Pepper you're a nuisance. 

Jon. Sometimes fate comes in queer forms to aid us. To me it came 
vears ago in the guise of a little ocean waif, to cheer and comfort me. I 
have nought to regret except the life of the last year. But through all, a 
kind Providence has allowed me to see the life of the late past in all its hid- 
eous deformity. It has, as by a vision, shown roe a high and holy path, 
that in it I may walk henceforth, cheered and strengthened by the smiles 
of these loved ones. This old hulk has been bruised and battered by the 
cares and storms of life ; soon I shall be called to enter the Eternal port of 
Rest, but I do not fear — I patiently await The turn op the tidf.* 

SONG— The Turn of the Tide. 

In sailing along the river of life, 

Over its waters wide, 
We all have to battle with trouble and strife, 

And wait for the time and the tide. 
Men of each other are prone to be jealous, 

Hopes are illusions, and not what they seem, 
Life and its pleasures, philosophers tell us, 

Go floating away like a leaf on a stream. 

Chorus. 

Then try to be happy and gay my friends, 

Remember the world is wide, 
And Rome wasn't built in a day my friends, 

So wait for the turn of the tide. 

Why people sit fretting their lives away, 

I can't for a moment surmise, 
If life is a lottery as they say, 

We cannot all turn up a prize. 

*The Play may end here. V 



THE TURN OF THE TIDE. 25 

*A folly it is to be sad and dejected, 

If fortune shows favors, she's fickle beside, 
And may knock at your door some day unexpected, 
If you patiently wait for the turn of the tide. 

Chorus. 

Then try to be happy, etc. 

Man is sent into the world we're told, 

To do all the good that he can, 
Yet how many worship the chink of the gold, 

And never once think of the man. 
If you're poor, from your friends keep a distance, 

Hold up your head though your funds may be smallj 
Once let the world know you need its assistance, 

Be sure then you never will get it all. 

CnoRus. 

Then try to be happy, etc. 

Situations at close. 

R. L. 

Frisky. Colonel & Lillian. Mr. & Mrs. A. Captain & Susie. Pepper* 

CURTAIN. 

* This scng is used by permission of Sep Winner & Son, Music Publishers, 
1007 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Tie words and music can be 
obtained of them at 1 cent per copy and 2 cents postage on every ten copies, or 
of the publishers of this drama. 



COSTUMES. 

Jonas Aldrich. — Sailor ot fisherman's dress, dark pea jacket, loose trowsers, dark turn- 
over and tie, flat top sailor's cap. 

Captain St. Morris. Act 1st.— Citizen's dress except sailor's cap and turnover collar 
and handkerchief. Act 2nd. — Sailor captain's dr^ss, sword-sash etc. Act 3rd. — near- 
ly the same as Act 1st. 

Col. Ellsworth.— Gentleman's dress, gray wig to correspond with a gentleman of fifty 
years old. 

Herman Clydi — Act 1st.— Gentleman's dress, with wide black felt hat. Act 2nd. — 
Sailor hat, dress of a pirate, sword and belt with knife and pistols, high top boots turn- 
ed over, long dark coat reaches nearly to feet covering other dress. 

. Bowie Knife Jack, and Sling Shot Rube.— Similar dress to Clyde's in 2nd Act, only 
rougher. 

Pepper. — Pea jacket, sailor cap, large pants too short for him. His dress should be 
varied in the different Acts. 

Aunt Rebecca.— Dark calico dress, hair done up in a twist at back of head, collar and 
apron. Act 2nd— Same dress. Act 3rd. — Any similar dress for change, cap etc. 

Susie Aldrich. Acts 1st and 2nd. — Grey dress, collar and cuffs, sailor hat. Act 3rd. 
—Dark dress. 

Lillian Lacy. Acts 1st and 2nd* — Plain dress. Act 3rd.— Dark suit. 

Frisky. Act 1st and 2nd. — Light print dress. Act 3rd.— Pink calico dress with white 
bib apron. • 

PROPFKTTES. —Fish-lines, basket, pistols, knives, swords, small tin trunk, letter, 
note ior Clyde, ring, bottle and tumblers, papers on desk in Act 1st., duster etc. 



A. D. AMES, PUBLISHER, CLYDE, 0. 



OUR BUSINESS- WHAT WE DO. 

PLATS. We sell everything in the line of dramas and farces, and call 
tho attention of our numerous patrons te our own list. We think it em- 
braces play which will suit either professional or amateur companies. If 
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paid. Those who do not know how to burn them, will be instructed by 
addressing the publisher. 



AMES' SERIES OF 

STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. 



The Turn of the Tide 
The Biter Bit 
The Mischievous Nigger 
The Beauty of Lyons 
The Gentle'man in Black 
The Lady of Lyons 
The Studio 

The Vow of the Ornam 
The Better Halt 
The Brigands of Calabria 
The Serf 

.The Poacher's Doom 
The Hunter of the Alps 
Thirty-Three Next Birthday 
The Fainter of Hhent 
The Mistletoe Bough 
The Miller ot Derwent Water 
The Bewitched Closet 



Through Snow and Sunshine 

That Mysterious Bundle 

The Two T. J's. 

Ten Nights in a Bar-Room 

Three Glasses a Day 

That Boy Sain 

The False Friend 

The Sham Pro essbr 

The Be ward of Crime 

The Deuce is m Him 

The Coming Man 

Twain's Dodging 

Vow of the Ornani 

V\ hen Women Weep 

Won at Last 

Wooing Under Difficulties 

Wrecked 

Which Will He Marry 



READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



NEW MILITARY ALLEG 




Tlie Spy of Atlanta. 

A errand military allegory in 6 acts, by A. L ....... ^ «*..,. ~. ^.. 

Bartley, 14 male, 3 female characters, with as many supernumary 
ladies'and gents as the stage may afford room for. This great play 
is founded -on incidents which actually occured during the war of 
the Rebellion — it introduces Ohio's brave and gallant McPherson — 
the actual manner of his capture and death is shewn. It abounds 
with the most beautiful tableaux, drill, marches, scenes upon the 
battle f* It, in Anderson ville, etc., and is pronounced by the press 
and public, the most successful military play ever produced. G. A. 
K. Posts, Military Companies and other organizations, who may 
wish something which will draw, should produce it. It may not be 
out of plocf to add that this play with the incidents ot the death of 
the gallant McPherson, was written with the full consent of the 
General's brother, It. B. McPherson, since dead, who fully approved 
Below will be found a synopsis of incidents, etc. 



.f it. 



SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. 



Act l5t. Home of Farmer Dalton. "don't talk politics." The dinner hour. 
News from Fort Sumpter, and call for 75,000 men. Quarrel of old friends. 
"They liung traitors in former times." (huh of vengeance. The patriotic 
Dutchman. His wonderful story. Husband and wife. "Go, and may God 
bless v<.u." Little Willie. "Dot dot,'." The Dutchman organises a compa- 
ny, t'arting of lovers, and "parting for over." "Country first and love 
afterwards." Schneider, the Dutchman, and his new company. He means 
business and shows his "poys" that he understands military business. En- 
I sting. Schneider and his company sign the rolls. The Dalfons. "Ilus- 
hand, must you go?" Duty. Little Willie. "Please, mother, may I go?" 
Presentation of the flap;. Parting of loved ones. 

Act 2nd. Camp by night. The letter from home. Army duties. Sortgs 
and merriment. "Tenting on the old camp ground." Inspection of the 
regiment Generals McPherson and Sherman. News from Atlanta. A 
brave inn n required. The dangerous mission. Promiseof promotion given 
by McPherson. Departure of the spy. The Confederate camp. Cap:. St. 
Clair's soliloquy. Plotting. Pete. The old Negro is used rather roughly. 
Father and son. The man who stutters so badly. The discovery. "A spy." 
"Do your worst, you cowardly traitor." Pete makes himself useful. "No 
chance of life." "Thrilling tableau and capture of St. Clair. Escape of St. 
Clair. The pursuit. Generals McPherson and Sherman. News from the 
front, McPherson preparing for battle. Firing on the left. "I must at once 
ascertain the cause." The rebel squad. Mcpherson's danger. "Halt and 
surrender." The fatal shot. "It is General McPherson ; you have, killed 
the best man in the Union Arm v." 

Act 3d. Return of the spy. Sherman hears of the death of his friend. The 
enemy's lines in motion. The long roll and general engagement. 

Act -tth. "Battlefield bv night. "Water! I am dying for tin: wain of water." 
Little Willie. The'traitor forgiven. Edwin and Willie are made prisoners. 
The discovery, and renewal of the oath of vengeance. 

Act 5th. Anderson ville with all its horrors. Hope of being exchanged. The 
last crust of bread. St. Clair informs Edwin of the arrival of his wife. 
Fears of insanity, and prayers toGod for reason to know her. The maniac. 
"Oh, brother, don't voukriow me? I am your brother Willie." Maud ar- 
rives. Terror on beholding her husband. "He must know me." The pic- 
ture. The recognition of the picture, and "you are— no I can not be wrong, 
vou are Maud, my wife, thank God." Villainy of St. Clair. The cry for 
bread. Braverv of Willie. The fatal shot, and death of the brave boy. 
Madness. The curse. "Boys, let us pray that this may soon end." The 
rescue. 

AcTotli. News of the surrender of Lee. The new love. The vacant chair. 
Happiness of Pete. Keturn of the boys, and joyful meeting of loved ones. 
Bummer's march, and beautiful tableau. 

Price, 25 cents .per copy. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 401 671 9 



